The Union Tourism Ministry has sanctioned Rs 13.60 crore for development of common amenities at the famous coastal tourism spot Kovalam near here.

Pune: Religious tourism in the state is set to receive a major boost as the Union tourism ministry has sanctioned financial assistance of Rs 44 crore for the development of the Solapur mega circuit, which includes the pilgrimage spots of Pandharpur, Akkalkot, Tuljapur and Solapur.

The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has received around Rs 92 crore from the ministry for the current fiscal to develop tourism projects in the state. Though a large chunk of the allocation is for the Solapur mega circuit, other tourism projects to be undertaken using the funds include development of the Aurangabad and Satara circuits, setting up chain-link fencing, a watch tower and a parking facility at Kas plateau, and a boat club and adventure sports facility at Panshet.

One of Asia's biggest wetlands, Keshopur Chamb, which was on the verge of extinction owing to an assortment of reasons, has got a fresh lease of life with a booster dose of Rs 8.10 crore.

BHUBANESWAR: It was left to voluntary organization Barefoot to emerge the lone saving grace for the state by winning an award at the National Tourism Awards ceremony in New Delhi on Monday in the category of best responsible tourism initiative for implementing Green Rider Rickshaw project in Puri.

While the state government drew a blank at the meet as two of its nominations did not impress the jury, Barefoot volunteers were ecstatic at winning the award. "It is an honour to receive the prestigious award from the President of India. Our community-based initiative and hard work won us the award," said Barefoot founder Yugabrat Kar.

Arunachal Pradesh bagged an award in the Best State: Campaign Clean India category apart from winning a special prize for Most Innovative use of Information Technology at the National Tourism Awards function here on Monday.

However, none of the other northeastern states could make a mark in the event. Incidentally, two Delhi-based tour operators received awards for their operations in North East.

SHILLONG: For the year 2012–2013, the State got fund of Rs 67.94 lakh which was allocated for development and promotion of tourism which also includes Rs 50 lakh for rural tourism and Rs 17.94 lakh

Tourism & Culture Ministries Spar Over Ownership Of Plot Near Birla Mandir

New Delhi: A multilevel parking project in the heart of the city—near Birla Mandir on Mandir Marg—has been put on hold as two union ministries—tourism and culture—are fighting over ownership of the land. In 2011, the tourism ministry gave in-principle approval for the project, to be developed by New Delhi Municipal Council. But the ministry of culture claims a project for construction of Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Memorial Library was sanctioned in 2003 before the joint union ministry of tourism and culture split in two parts.

With hills and mountains dotting the landscape of North Eastern region, the Centre plans to promote the region as an ‘adventure tourism’ destination to increase the flow of tourists, particularly foreign tourists, said Union minister of state for tourism K Chiranjeevi.

“We know not all the roads are in good condition in the region. But not all tourists complain this as many like adventure tourism. The region can be a great destination for adventure tourism. If we can promote the region as an adventure tourism destination before the world, we can surely attract foreign tourists in the region,” said Chiranjeevi at the three day ‘International Tourism Mart’ which concluded here on Sunday.

The Union Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned Rs 2.43 crore to the state under the scheme “Hunar Se Rojgar Tak” for skill development.

State-owned India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) and Hindustan Salts Ltd (HSL) on Thursday joined hands to develop tourism centres in Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU), valid for three years, was signed by ITDC vice-chairman and managing director Lalit K. Panwar and Hindustan Salts Ltd chairman and managing director R.K. Tandon.